Project abstract for group largaesp

These researchers are working to exploit insertional mutagenesis for cancer gene discovery and functional genomics in the mouse. They use a vertebrate-active transposon system, called Sleeping Beauty (SB), for insertional mutagenesis in mouse somatic and germline cells, and for gene therapy. Using SB they have developed a powerful method to find new cancer genes using transgenic mouse models. This approach can be used to understand the genetic basis of many types of cancer, including brain tumors, carcinomas of the liver and gastrointestinal tract, leukemias, sarcomas, and many more. Insertional mutagenesis is also being used to identify genes and genetic pathways underlying acute myeloid leukemia (AML) development. Other work includes genetic studies of chemotherapy resistance and RAS pathway oncogene addiction in acute myeloid leukemia, exploration of cancer drivers found in the SB screens, identification of novel peptides in cancer cells for use in the development of patient-specific cancer vaccines, and the development of novel approaches for adoptive immunotherapy. Analysis of data also involves collaborations with MSI to develop custom programs, such as MMuFLR, as well as collaborations with other bioinformaticists on campus to create new analytical strategies, and the use of preexisting tools, such as the Galaxy suite of NGS tools and Ingenuity.